Ravichandran Ashwin: Will the spinner finally topple Aussie batsmen?

New Delhi: Ravichandran Ashwin has been India's standout performer in the last two series wins against Sri Lanka and South Africa.

On subcontinent pitches, the spinner's pedigree cannot be questioned. In fact, Ashwin's bowling record on home soil is better than some of India's greatest spinners.

However, one thing the critics of Ashwin always point to are his numbers away from home, especially in Test cricket.

The 29-year-old has done better in ODIs outside India, earning success in England.

But the Chennai lad's record against the Aussie batsmen in their backyard is far from inspiring.

In the five ODIs he has played in Australia against the home side, the off-spinner has managed to take just one wicket. The Aussie batsmen have scored over 40 runs in each of these matches.

Ashwin's overall record against teams on Australian pitches is better though.

In 19 matches, he has picked up 22 wickets. His best performance of four wickets came against UAE in the World Cup.

Ashwin has picked up  three wickets twice – against Sri Lanka and South Africa.

As MS Dhoni's Team India prepares for an important ODI and T20 series against Australia in January, Ashwin will have to improve his woeful record against the home side.

Ashwin is widely regarded as the world's best spinner at the moment, which is why he must show that he can bowl effectively in all conditions and against all teams.